Ever stood in the feed aisle at Tractor Supply, staring at those bags of Producer’s Pride chicken feed and wondered, “Who actually makes this stuff?” You’re not alone! As a chicken keeper myself, I’ve often been curious about the source of the feed I give my flock. After some digging, I’ve uncovered the manufacturer behind those familiar bags, and I’m excited to share what I found with you.
The Big Reveal: Purina Makes Producer’s Pride
Here’s the straightforward answer: Purina Animal Nutrition is the company that manufactures Producer’s Pride chicken feed for Tractor Supply. Surprised? I was too when I first learned this!
Producer’s Pride is Tractor Supply’s private label brand, but they don’t actually make the feed themselves. Instead, they have a strategic partnership with Purina Animal Nutrition, who produces the feed according to Tractor Supply’s specifications.
This is what we call a private label agreement – Tractor Supply contracts with Purina to create their store brand products. It’s a pretty common practice in retail, but not something most customers know about.
The Purina and Tractor Supply Partnership
This arrangement works well for both companies
- Tractor Supply gets to offer a branded product exclusively in their stores
- Purina gains a consistent sales channel without directly competing with their own branded products
When you buy Producer’s Pride at Tractor Supply, you’re essentially getting Purina-quality feed with a different label and often at a more budget-friendly price point. Pretty cool, right?
How to Spot Purina’s Influence on Producer’s Pride Packaging
If you’re skeptical about this connection, there are ways to confirm it yourself:
- Check the manufacturing code or address on the bag – you’ll often find Purina’s facilities listed
- Compare the ingredient lists and guaranteed analysis between Producer’s Pride and similar Purina products
- Look for advanced nutritional additives like prebiotics and probiotics that are hallmarks of Purina’s research
I’ve done this comparison myself, and the similarities are unmistakable once you know what to look for!
Producer’s Pride Feed Options at Tractor Supply
Tractor Supply offers a comprehensive range of Producer’s Pride chicken feeds for different stages and purposes:
By Bird Type
- Chicken feed – most popular, comes in various formulations
- Duck feed – specialized for waterfowl nutritional needs
- Turkey feed – higher protein for these larger birds
By Life Stage
- Starter feed – for chicks from hatch to 8 weeks
- Grower feed – for pullets from 8 weeks to point of lay
- Layer feed – for egg-producing hens
- Meat bird feed – formulated for broilers
By Special Formulation
- High-protein feeds – boosts growth and feather health
- Organic options – meets strict guidelines for sourcing
- Non-GMO varieties – using non-genetically modified grains
By Package Weight
- 10 lb bags
- 25 lb bags
- 35 lb bags
- 40 lb bags
- 50 lb bags
I usually buy the 50 lb bags since I have a larger flock, but smaller packages are great if you’re just starting out!
What’s Actually in Producer’s Pride Chicken Feed?
The ingredients vary depending on the specific formulation, but common components include:
- Corn – primary energy source
- Soybean meal – excellent protein source
- Wheat middlings – provides fiber and nutrients
- Calcium carbonate – essential for eggshell formation in layer feeds
- Vitamins and minerals – balanced blend for overall health
Most formulations contain grains like corn, wheat, sorghum, or barley plus a protein source. Layer feeds will have additional calcium to support egg production.
Is Producer’s Pride as Good as Name-Brand Purina?
This is the million-dollar question! While Producer’s Pride is manufactured by Purina, the formulations aren’t identical to Purina’s name-brand feeds. Producer’s Pride is positioned as a more affordable option, so there may be some differences in ingredients or nutrient levels.
That said, Producer’s Pride still benefits from Purina’s decades of nutritional expertise and quality control standards. It’s definitely a step above generic feeds, and many backyard chicken keepers (myself included) have had great results with it.
If you’re curious about the differences, I recommend comparing the guaranteed analysis on the bags. For example, check protein levels between Producer’s Pride layer feed and Purina Layena to see how they stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Producer’s Pride Feed
Is Producer’s Pride chicken feed organic?
Not all Producer’s Pride feed is certified organic. While they do offer some non-GMO options, only specific formulations meet the strict requirements for organic certification. Always check the label if this is important to you!
Does Producer’s Pride contain medications?
Some starter feeds may contain a coccidiostat to prevent coccidiosis in young chicks. The packaging will clearly indicate if medication is included. If you prefer unmedicated feed, they offer those options too.
How long does Producer’s Pride feed stay fresh?
Like most chicken feeds, Producer’s Pride has a shelf life of approximately 6 months from the manufacturing date when stored properly. I always store mine in metal containers to keep it dry and safe from pests.
How do I transition my chickens to Producer’s Pride?
Whenever switching feeds, it’s best to do it gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount (25%) of the new feed with your current feed, then gradually increase the proportion of new feed each day until you’ve completely switched over.
I learned this the hard way once when I switched feeds abruptly and had some unhappy chicken tummies in my coop!
Why This Partnership Matters to Chicken Keepers
The Purina-Tractor Supply partnership benefits us chicken keepers in several ways:
- Accessibility – Producer’s Pride is available at all Tractor Supply locations
- Affordability – Often priced lower than name-brand equivalents
- Quality assurance – Backed by Purina’s nutritional expertise
- Variety – Options for different life stages and needs
I’ve personally used Producer’s Pride for my flock of Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rocks for the past two years, and I’ve been happy with the results. My girls are healthy, active, and laying consistently.
The Bottom Line on Tractor Supply Chicken Feed
If you’re looking for quality chicken feed that won’t break the bank, Producer’s Pride at Tractor Supply is a solid choice. Now that you know it’s manufactured by Purina Animal Nutrition, you can shop with confidence knowing there’s serious nutritional expertise behind those bags.
Next time you’re at Tractor Supply picking up chicken feed, you can smile knowingly when you reach for that bag of Producer’s Pride. You’re in on the secret – it’s Purina quality with a different name and often a better price!
Have you used Producer’s Pride feed for your flock? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Remember: Always choose the feed that’s appropriate for your chickens’ age, breed, and purpose. When in doubt, consult with a poultry nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure you’re meeting your flock’s specific nutritional needs.
Decoding the Labels: Organic vs. All-Natural
The terms “organic” and “all-natural” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. However, they represent vastly different production and certification processes.
“Organic”, as certified by the USDA, guarantees the feed ingredients were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. The chickens themselves couldnt have received antibiotics or hormones. This rigorous process involves inspections and standards ensuring consistent quality.
“All-natural,” conversely, is a loosely defined term. It typically indicates the absence of artificial colors or flavors, but provides no guarantees about farming practices or ingredient sourcing. This lack of regulation makes it challenging to compare different “all-natural” products. While you might find a high-quality option, it lacks the standardized assurance of organic certification.
Cost Comparison: Budgetary Considerations
Organic feeds are generally more expensive. This reflects the higher costs of organic farming practices, stricter regulations, and rigorous certification processes. All-natural feeds from Tractor Supply are usually more affordable due to less stringent requirements. While this cost difference is significant, its important to weigh the lower cost against the reduced transparency and greater variability in ingredient quality.
| Feed Type | Price Range | Certification | Ingredient Traceability | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic | Generally Higher | USDA Organic | High | Guaranteed standards, potentially healthier chickens | Higher cost, may not always result in noticeably better eggs |
| All-Natural | Generally Lower | None (variable) | Lower | More affordable | Less transparency, inconsistent quality potential |